Monday, June 16, 2014

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Updates

Where do vegetarians get their protein?    Have you ever heard of a condition brought on by protein deficiency? I haven't, but it seems that so many people believe that it actually must exist.  You would also think that it is the most indispensable nutrient  Forget how excess animal protein can lead to premature aging, constipation, osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease- the list goes on.  I saw this clip by Dr. Michael Greger and thought it was so good that I wanted to share it with you.  In addition to sharing studies that indicate the true markers for protein intake, he also states what nutrient Americans truly are deficient in.  Watch the video which is less than five minutes here.

The Healing Effect-  I recently saw a trailer to a film that looks good.  It features a few physicians, natural healers and authors that I follow.  The police officer is from my old stomping grounds -Lowell, MA.   I can spot a Boston accent like nobody's business and this cop most certainly has one.  Check out the trailer to this film here.

I have mentioned the need to become familiar with natural sources of antibiotics.  I saw this list of natural antibiotics and thought I have to pass this along to my readers.  Excellent article!

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Growing up as an Adventist I did not appreciate the amazing wisdom in the the heatlh information we have received as a denomination.  I heard many talk about it with derision and so I really didn't give it much attention.  As an adult, and after I noticed the amazing power of plant foods,  I began to pay closer attention.  Now, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love the message of health. One of the tidbits of wisdom is how and when we should eat.  The statement goes,"Breakfast like a king, Lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper."  Dinner is also the ideal time to skip a meal.  What happens when we choose this way of eating which is so contrary to the way Americans eat?

Weight control

Would you like to loose weight more easily?  Skip dinner or have something light to eat like fruit.  I eat two meals a day, breakfast at 11a.m. and I try to have my second meal at 4pm.  If I do this, I find that I loose weight very easily.  One of the reasons why I love this way of eating is because I can eat a large meal and feel very satisfied.  I don't get hungry on this method, but if you find you must have something, try fresh juice made from fruits and vegetables in a juicer.  As for timing meals, everyone is different.  You would have to find out what works best for you.  I tried Tonya Zavasta's method called "quantum eating", I was shaking and weak on her method. 

Longevity

The longest lived people in the world eat two meals a day.  Think about how much energy the body has to put out for digestion with all the food many people stuff in their mouths - They dig their graves with their teeth!  This is an interesting article that mentions studies on animals and how their lives are extended by calorie restriction.

In the morning after a night of rest, the body's energy for digestion is at it's peak which is why a large meal is most appropriate at this time.  Concurrently, it's energy is spent at the end of the day, which is why it is best to not tax it later in the day.  The less you tax your body, the longer you live.

Detoxification

We live in a cesspool of toxins.  If we were to remove toxicity by changing household cleaners and body care products, we still wouldn't be able to deal with all of the toxicity in our environment.  Being mindful of detoxification becomes paramount for healthful living.  Eating foods that escort toxins out of our bodies is important.  Another way to deal with toxicity and boosting the immune system is by fasting.  When the digestive system is shut down, it switches to detox mode.  Intermittent fasting by skipping the last meal of the day is a way to fast on a daily basis and help your body detoxify on a regular basis.

I eat this way from Monday to Friday.  I relax this method on the weekend when I am more likely to be invited to a friend's house for a meal.  If you are interestested in trying this method, ease into and see how your body responds.  I found an excellent article by Dr. Mercola on the benefits of intermittent fasting here.  For those who think they will turn into a skinny rail, check out this site which promotes it for men who are body building.  Be sure to scroll down to see the photos of Surge Nubret next to Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Pretty amazing! I don't agree with everything stated in article but most of it seems pretty sound.

Have a great day!